NHL Handicapper Free Play: Calgary Flames at Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus saw its last game against Washington fly over the total with ease in what ended up being a 6-3 final score in the return of the Jackets' top netminder Sergei Bobrovsky. He was obviously very rusty in his first start since returning from a groin injury surrendering five goals (the 6th Washington goal was an empty net tally) on 28 shots. It’s worth noting that Bobrovsky struggled very early in the season before starting to find his form so it could take time for him to be at his best and Calgary’s offense is still fully capable of exploiting struggling defensive squads and questionable goaltending like what we often see with Columbus. On the flip side, Columbus while not being a potent offensive team by any stretch, may be able to score some goals themselves as they put in three goals and fired 35 shots on net against a very strong defensive Washington squad. Calgary doesn’t resemble Washington in that department with the Flames allowing exactly three goals per game ranking them 29th in the NHL. Karri Ramo will be back in between the pipes after a three-game absence due to an illness and even though he was playing well before he got sick, he may be thrown a little bit out of rhythm. It tends to be a bit more difficult for a goalie to be sharp after being out due to either injury or illness so the Blue Jackets should be able to build on what was a solid offensive showing against the Capitals. Play this one over the total.